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Abbott changes policies as political winds shift

Greg Abbott's policy reversals come as polling shows a close race with Democrat Gina Hinojosa.

News

Gov. Greg Abbott has reversed course on key policy issues during his reelection campaign, as his critics have accused him of putting corporate interests above Texans.Why it matters: Facing an unexpectedly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" data-vars-content-id="3a815b65-c637-4653-8657-54d6282bde66" data-vars-headline="Abbott changes policies as political winds shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/15/gina-hinojosa-texas-governor-abbott" target="_self">tough challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa</a>, Abbott has changed his tune <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" data-vars-content-id="3a815b65-c637-4653-8657-54d6282bde66" data-vars-headline="Abbott changes policies as political winds shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlash" target="_self">on data centers</a>, Flock cameras and the border wall.

Texans surge to polls during early voting

Statewide, in-person early voting turnout was 37.6% of registered voters.

In-person <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="early voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/10/26/early-voting-turnout-texas-midterm-election" data-vars-content-id="7b863834-69e9-4739-ac06-2ef86b2ca82b" data-vars-headline="Texans surge to polls during early voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/10/26/early-voting-turnout-texas-midterm-election" target="_self">early voting</a> turnout surpassed 2018 levels in four of Texas&#x27; five largest counties ahead of Tuesday&#x27;s closely watched election.Why it matters: The figures don&#x27;t indicate which candidates are benefiting, but suggest voter enthusiasm is rivaling or surpassing that seen during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2018 Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/07/midterm-elections-results-texas-senate-cruz" data-vars-content-id="7b863834-69e9-4739-ac06-2ef86b2ca82b" data-vars-headline="Texans surge to polls during early voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/07/midterm-elections-results-texas-senate-cruz" target="_self">2018 Senate race</a>, when Republican Ted Cruz narrowly defeated Democrat Beto O&#x27;Rourke.

UT's approach to AI in the classroom

UT Austin is taking an AI-forward approach to teaching while steering clear of AI-detection tools.

The University of Texas is embracing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artificial intelligence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/31/schools-adopting-ai-pros-cons-canvas-claude" data-vars-content-id="7da0d4fa-3f06-48cc-9efc-d59bc10dd71a" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s approach to AI in the classroom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/08/31/schools-adopting-ai-pros-cons-canvas-claude" target="_self">artificial intelligence</a> in the classroom while steering away from tools designed to catch students using it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Banning AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/07/ai-schools-backlash-bans-new-york-los-angeles" data-vars-content-id="7da0d4fa-3f06-48cc-9efc-d59bc10dd71a" data-vars-headline="UT&#x27;s approach to AI in the classroom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/07/ai-schools-backlash-bans-new-york-los-angeles" target="_self">Banning AI</a> won&#x27;t stop students from using it, experts say, but there are ways it can assist learning and track progress.

Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site

The Chris Gober campaign site has deleted a section titled "Ensuring America's AI Dominance."

A Republican congressional candidate with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ties to Elon Musk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/20/elon-musk-pac-lawyer-eyes-texas-congressional-seat" data-vars-content-id="9da9d75c-cfa9-422d-8043-8e170b6086a1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/20/elon-musk-pac-lawyer-eyes-texas-congressional-seat" target="_self">ties to Elon Musk</a> running for an open Texas seat has scrubbed from his campaign website a section that promoted AI. Why it matters: Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Gober" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/musks-1-million-sweepstakes-not-lottery-court" data-vars-content-id="9da9d75c-cfa9-422d-8043-8e170b6086a1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: GOP candidate with Musk ties scrubs AI from campaign site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/musks-1-million-sweepstakes-not-lottery-court" target="_self">Chris Gober</a> is running in a GOP-friendly district that stretches from west of Austin to near Houston, but data centers and Musk — who is not mentioned on the campaign site — have become radioactive for many voters.

Five questions with Kerbey Lane's Mason Ayer

Kerbey Lane's new Queso for Classrooms initiative supports Austin ISD students' school lunch debt.

Kerbey Lane Cafe is turning its beloved queso into a way to help pay off local students&#x27; school lunch debt.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kerbey Lane&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="31bf8336-4562-4fa4-9e77-9e5f627fd790" data-vars-headline="Five questions with Kerbey Lane&#x27;s Mason Ayer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/" target="_blank">Kerbey Lane&#x27;s</a> new Queso for Classrooms initiative directs a portion of queso sales at all 10 locations toward paying off Austin ISD students&#x27; outstanding school meal balances.

Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL

Big names are on deck for weekend two, but the music festival is also a chance to see homegrown talent.

Big names like Lorde, Kings of Leon and Charli XCX are on deck for weekend two of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin City Limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/04/acl-fest-zilker-mud-austin" data-vars-content-id="08e3898f-aeec-4174-bf35-abf014ae5643" data-vars-headline="Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/10/04/acl-fest-zilker-mud-austin" target="_self">Austin City Limits</a>, but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="08e3898f-aeec-4174-bf35-abf014ae5643" data-vars-headline="Austin artists to see during weekend two of ACL" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" target="_blank">music festival</a> is also a chance to see homegrown talent.Here are the local artists we&#x27;re watching this weekend.

Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars

Austin now has seven Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other city in Texas.

Two more Austin restaurants — Fabrik in Tarrytown and downtown&#x27;s Kappo Kappo — have earned coveted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/11/12/michelin-guide-texas-austin-restaurant-winners" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/11/12/michelin-guide-texas-austin-restaurant-winners" target="_self">Michelin</a> stars, bringing the city&#x27;s total to seven in the latest Texas dining guide.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/restaurants" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/restaurants" target="_blank">Michelin Guide</a> endorsement brings restaurants international acclaim. Plus, the recognition can be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boon for business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/15/michelin-recognition-impact-colorado-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="798a1492-f0ec-48d5-a4c0-644f6d8e6ff4" data-vars-headline="Two Austin restaurants earn new Michelin stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/15/michelin-recognition-impact-colorado-restaurants" target="_self">boon for business</a>.

Austin landscape designers tackle North Lamar hellstrips

The nursery is asking neighboring businesses to join in.

A group of Austin landscape designers is working to transform barren stretches of North Lamar Boulevard into pockets of drought-tolerant plants.Why it matters: Hellstrips — the space between the sidewalk and the curb — are often blasted by direct sun and receive little to no water, making them a notoriously difficult place to grow plants.

Austin performer brings Netflix shows to deaf families

Viewers can watch deaf performers overlaid alongside the original programming.

Austin performer JoAnn Benfield is helping bring Netflix&#x27;s most-beloved children&#x27;s shows and movies to deaf families in American Sign Language.Why it matters: Many deaf children use ASL as their primary language, meaning captions alone don&#x27;t always make programming fully accessible.

Your guide to summer swimming in Austin

Here's where to cool off, from Barton Springs to hotel pools.

Things to Do

Ready for the heat? We&#x27;re staring down highs in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mid- to upper 90s" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.4882&amp;lon=-97.7618" data-vars-content-id="25b3ec47-73ac-4ec1-bc7c-6dec4ea57c66" data-vars-headline="Your guide to summer swimming in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.4882&amp;lon=-97.7618" target="_blank">mid- to upper 90s</a> through the weekend.Why it matters: Luckily, there are plenty of places to cool down in Central Texas.

5 questions with Austin director Damon Brown

The Zilker Summer Musical has been an Austin tradition since 1959.

Director Damon Brown is preparing to bring &quot;Singin&#x27; in the Rain&quot; to Zilker Hillside Theatre this month, marking his return to the iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin stage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/2026-box-domestic-office-start" data-vars-content-id="009d627c-5e4c-4047-866b-5eb6678bc57a" data-vars-headline="5 questions with Austin director Damon Brown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/07/2026-box-domestic-office-start" target="_self">Austin stage</a> more than two decades after performing there.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zilker Summer Musical" data-vars-click-url="https://zilker.org/" data-vars-content-id="009d627c-5e4c-4047-866b-5eb6678bc57a" data-vars-headline="5 questions with Austin director Damon Brown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zilker.org/" target="_blank">Zilker Summer Musical</a> has been an Austin tradition since 1959, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each summer.

Inside Paramount Theatre's major makeover

The 110-year-old Austin institution will close Monday for an 11-month restoration.

Culture

Austin&#x27;s 110-year-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paramount Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/22/paramount-theatres-summer-film-series-returns" data-vars-content-id="96e1a460-5733-4998-828f-f8ce3116dc34" data-vars-headline="Inside Paramount Theatre&#x27;s major makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/22/paramount-theatres-summer-film-series-returns" target="_self">Paramount Theatre</a> will close Monday for an 11-month restoration.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the most extensive restoration to the theater in over 50 years.

ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year

The festival will take place over four days in downtown Austin.

ATX TV Festival is back in downtown Austin this weekend with TV reunions, sneak peeks, celebrity panels and a few new additions to mark its 15th year.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-day festival" data-vars-click-url="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" data-vars-content-id="4bf642da-d98d-4065-9c47-16468aaae12a" data-vars-headline="ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atxtvfestival.eventive.org/welcome" target="_blank">four-day festival</a>, running Friday to Monday, is dedicated to television — something co-founders Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson say was the point from the beginning.

Austin's top April events you won't want to miss

Austin's kite fest, comedy, music and more.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s springtime in Central Texas, and one of our favorite months of the year to get out and explore Austin.Here are some of the events we&#x27;re most looking forward to.